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Nicholas Wood, Political Tours’ Director was recently interviewed by IdeaMensch, a website that spots new entrepreneurs. It’s a great insight into how the company...

Tailor Made Holidays, Travel & Tours

As the world’s first and only global political tour operator we pride ourselves with being able to create Tailor-Made Tour itineraries to suit most groups’ needs, and at short notice. Our recent clients include politicians, NGOs and universities.

We also have experience of creating more leisurely Bespoke Tours for small groups of travellers or individuals who just want a stimulating break.

Our Director, Nicholas Wood was nominated by Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s leading travel magazine, as one of its Top Travel Specialists for two years running 2012 and 2013.

If you would like to speak to Nicholas directly about arranging your own private tour please call him on +44 7855 266 151, or email [email protected], or call our office in the UK on +44 (0) 843 289 2349.

See our case studies below for more details about our tailor made tour services:

Case Study 1 – Policy Makers & Journalists

A High Level Delegation of Spanish Foreign Editors

In 2009 and 2010, Political Tours worked with the Kosovo branch of the Open Society Foundation, KFOS, to bring a group of Spanish Foreign editors to the region on a Kosovo Tour. Political Tours identified the relevant journalists in Spain and organised their trip to Pristina where they met with senior Serbian and Albanian leaders including the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo.

The group was briefed by the heads of the leading international missions in the region, the ICO and EULEX, as well as the NATO led peace-keeping force, KFOR. They also travelled to villages and towns to see political, economic and social problems first-hand.

“It was a very well organised, dense, high-level study trip. The level of the people we met, including senior politicians, was impressive. It was balanced covering both Albanian and Serbian viewpoints. It was a surprise to discover the cultural level of the population and to enjoy Pristina’s night life… Pristina is probably the most ugly city in the Balkans, but has a tremendous youth culture.”

Francisco Herranz, Foreign Editor of El Mundo.

Case Study 2 – An NGO

The NGO – A Leadership Programme for a London Youth Group

SE1 United works to improve the lives of youths affected by inner city crime and gang culture. They wanted to take a group of young people who were at risk of offending and introduce them to people who have been through equally or more challenging situations. Operating on a very tight budget, Political Tours created a five day tour of Kosovo that included briefings with the military, Kosovo’s music scene, politicians and ordinary Serbs and Albanians.

“The impact was immense and far exceeded our expectations. It took us completely out of our comfort zone but because of the organisational capability we felt very safe at the same time.”

“There were briefings on who we were going to see at each meeting and the context behind it, and that was one of the most important things. If there were any questions we need to ask there was someone to answer it.”

“It gave us a completely unique way to look at the environment we live in now. This trip has been the thing that has galvanized everyone.”

“There was minimal work needed from our side. We said what we needed and Political Tours set it up… it was also highly flexible.”

Jacob Whittingham, Director of SE1 United.

Case Study 3 – An Academic Study Tour

The Chevening Fellowship Programme – 2 Academic Study Tours

Bradford University’s Peace Studies department (CICS) hired Political Tours to organise two study tours on behalf of the UK government’s Chevening Fellowship Programme, an academic course for mid-career professionals from around the globe.

For the first tour, Bradford wanted to examine co-operation between international institutions in a post conflict environment. For the second, they wanted to look at the role of democratic institutions in Turkey over the past two decades.

Political Tours took the first group to Kosovo to meet with representatives of key local and international institutions in Kosovo (EULEX, ICO and the UN). We also arranged visits to local communities to examine the social and economic challenges facing the country. At the end of their 8 day trip Political Tours arranged a seminar in which the Chevening Fellows worked in small working groups alongside advisors from the UN, UNDP as well as local analysts.

In Turkey, Political Tours organised meetings with members of the government, the opposition as well as members of the media and civil society. The 6 day programme, which was set up with just 4 weeks notice, included a visit to the Turkish parliament in Anakara, as well as round-table meetings with think tanks in Istanbul. The European Stability Initiative, a think tank that is examining Turkey’s candidature for European Union membership, guided the group for much of the tour.

“Political Tours provided a really excellent 8-day tour of Kosovo for our students. Everything was very professionally organised, with a full timetable of varied meetings, lectures and site visits, and all our group came back with a very good overview of the real political situation on the ground. I’d highly recommend them to other universities and institutes organising political study tours.”

Case Study 4 – A Bespoke Tour for Private Clients in the Caucasus

A Bespoke Tour for Private Clients in the Caucasus

Matthew H. sought our help in arranging a meaningful tour through the Caucasus. He and his wife were looking for an experience that went beyond the standard cultural tour. We helped arrange a suitable itinerary that incorporated the most interesting historical and current aspects of the region including access to our analysts who provided insights into recent historical developments and the latest social trends.

“The Political Tours analysts provided balanced and informative insights to both the positive and negative trends in the region. They are well-grounded, passionate yet realistic professionals who have the perspective that comes from working on the matters of the day in real time.”

“We also found them to be very approachable and patient with our limited grasp of the region’s unique complexities.”